Container Comprising a Disposable Cleaning Implement And a Method of Promoting the Sale of a Disposable Cleaning Implement

ABSTRACT

A packaging container ( 10 ) for at least one, though preferably two, disposable cleaning implements ( 12 ), having an opening ( 30 ) formed therein extending from a top section ( 18 ), through a front display section ( 22 ), and ending in a side section ( 24 ). The opening ( 30 ) is defined by two generally arcuate intersecting cuts or lines ( 32, 34 ). The arrangement of the cleaning implements ( 12 ) within the container ( 10 ) along with the opening ( 30 ) provide visual and physical access to the implements ( 12 ) such that a potential purchaser may see, touch and/or manipulate components of the cleaning implements ( 12 ). The container ( 10 ) may also include printed graphics ( 49 ) and written instructions of use ( 48 ) or marketing claims for promoting the sale of the cleaning implement ( 12 ).

CROSS-REFERENCE(S) TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 11/450,315,filed Jun. 10, 2006, which itself is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser.No. 11/141,099 filed May 31, 2005, the contents of these patentapplications are hereby incorporated by reference into the presentapplication.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to cleaning devices, and specifically topackaging for a disposable cleaning implement that is capable of pickingup and retaining particulate debris located on a fabric surface and amethod of promoting the sale thereof. More specifically, a preferredembodiment of the present invention relates to packaging for one or twocleaning implements with an opening enabling consumers to touch and/ormanipulate components of the cleaning implements, instructions for usingthe same, along with various marketing and performance claims.

It is common practice in the industry to provide merchandise for sale inboxes, containers and the like made from varying materials. One type ofsuch packaging material is chipboard which is easily formed into arugged package with a rectangular or square-shaped cross section. Thetypical chipboard package container provides no visual or physicalaccess to the contents therein. Typically, the package may contain agraphic image of the product along with product usage information andpromotional material.

However, sealed packaging creates a barrier and separates a potentialpurchaser from the product. This may be acceptable for establishedproducts where the features and functionality of the cleaning implementis readily apparent. However, where features or the functionality of theproduct are not readily evident by merely looking at the packaging, itcan be difficult to market that cleaning product to the consumer. Thisis particularly true when a new or unique cleaning product is brought tothe market. Accordingly, some manufacturers have attempted to providemeans in the packaging to operate or at least view features of theirproducts that are best understood when in operation.

One example of this approach is the use of cellophane “windows” suchthat a consumer is able to see features of the packaged product.However, merely viewing a product through a cellophane window gives onlya limited visual indication of the design and not the functionality of aparticular product. Other packaging, such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 7,059,471 for a flexible toothbrush package, permits a consumer toboth see and manipulate the product contained therein. Still otherpackaging includes CD-ROMs, DVDs and the like in an attempt to marketand educate a consumer about a cleaning product. However, this approachdoes not help market a product at the point of sale, it only helpseducate a consumer once the item has been purchased.

Therefore, the present invention was developed as a way to provide bothvisual and physical access to a cleaning item such as a fabric sweeper,while still in the packaging container in an effort to market theproduct and educate the consumer at the same time.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a disposable cleaningimplement comprising a clear housing and a cleaning surface is provided.The housing comprises a handle and a cavity defined by the housingcomprises a receptacle for particulate debris. The cleaning surfacecomprises preferably two unidirectional fabric-covered rollers connectedto the housing.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a containercomprising at least one disposable cleaning implement is provided. Thecontainer comprises a box of thin-walled plastic, cardboard, pressboardor chipboard having a top, bottom, front, back and two sides defining acavity. An opening defined by two intersecting arcuate cuts is formed inthe container wherein a portion of the cleaning surface of the cleaningimplement is presented to consumers to be touched and manipulated whilethe cleaning implement is in the container. In another embodiment, thecontainer houses two cleaning implements such that the cleaningimplements are arranged in an opposing manner such that a non-cleaningsurface of one cleaning implement and the cleaning surface of the othercleaning implement are presented to consumers.

The container may further include instructions for using the disposablecleaning implement. This may include the steps of: a) sliding thecleaning implement side-to-side; and b) disposing the cleaning implementwhen the implement appears to be either full or to no longer pick updebris. The instructions may be described with text or depicted visuallywith graphics.

The container may further include marketing claims regarding thecleaning implement. This may include a statement that the cleaningimplement lifts and traps pet hair, lint, dust and allergens, fromupholstered furniture. The container may further comprise graphics ortext indicating that a roller cleaning surface is lightly colored forshowing debris retained by the cleaning surface. The cleaning implementmay also have a printed pattern, graphic, logo, branding information, orsimilar information formed on the cleaning implement.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method ofpromoting the sale of a disposable cleaning implement such as a fabricsweeper includes the steps of: a) displaying a chipboard container witha opening formed therein with two cleaning implements; and b) arranginga non-cleaning surface of the first cleaning implement and a cleaningsurface of the second cleaning implement so that both are simultaneouslypresented to a consumer. Instructions for use and marketing claims suchas described above may also be included as part of the method.

These and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will be more clearly understood and appreciated from a reviewof the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments andappended claims, and by reference to the accompanying drawings. Itshould be understood, however, that the following description, whileindicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given byway of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes andmodifications may be made within the scope of the present inventionwithout departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includesall such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting thepresent invention, and of the construction and operation of typicalmechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readilyapparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting,embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a partof this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate thesame elements in the several views.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning implement package with anelongate opening and two cleaning implements according to one preferredembodiment of the present invention, viewed from in front of, above, andthe right side of the package;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 1, viewed from infront of, above, and the left side of the package;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the package of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the package of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of one side of the package of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the other side of the package of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the package of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the package of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative cleaning implementpackage with an elongate opening according to another preferredembodiment of the present invention.

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which isillustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted tofor the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the inventionbe limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understoodthat each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operatein a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention and the various features and advantageous detailsthereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limitingembodiments described in detail in the following description. Withreference now to FIGS. 1-8 in which like reference numerals designatelike parts throughout the disclosure, a packaging container 10constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the present inventionis illustrated in connection with two cleaning implements 12.

The preferred disposable cleaning implement, i.e., fabric sweeper 12, ispartially shown in FIGS. 1-3, 5, 7 and 9 and described in greater detailin co-pending U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2006/0265824, thecontents of which are herein incorporated by reference. The fabricsweeper 12 comprises a pair of fabric covered rollers 14 such that whenthe sweeper 12 is positioned on a fabric surface and moved in adirection generally perpendicularly to the long axis of the sweeper 12,debris is retained on the fabric surface and transported to a collectionchamber defined by a housing 17. A cleaning surface 15 of the fabricsweeper 12 can be generally defined as the fabric covered rollers 14while a non-cleaning surface 16 is generally defined as the housing 17,or handle.

In one preferred embodiment, the container 10 is a packaging boxcomprised of a top section, or panel, 18, a bottom section 20, frontsection 22, back section 24, first side section 26 and second sidesection 28 defining a cavity 29. An elongate opening 30 is formed in thecontainer 10. The opening 30 is defined by two generally arcuate edges,lines or cuts 32, 34 beginning at a first point 36 in the top section18, extending through the front “facing” section 22 and ending at asecond point 38 in the second side section 28. Alternatively, theopening extends through and terminates in the first side section 26.Moreover, the opening 30 could be formed in any way such that thesalient features of the fabric sweeper 12 are both visually andphysically presented to consumers. The cuts 32, 34 are made to maximizepresentation of the fabric sweepers 12 while minimizing the cost of thepackaging 10.

Although not limited to these shapes, a portion 39 of the opening 30 inthe top section 18 is formed by arcuate cuts into a “shark fin” shape. Aportion 40 of the opening 30 extends across the front section 22 withopening-defining edges 32, 34 generally equidistant apart. An extension42 extends into the opening 30 for the placement of a logo or othergraphics. A portion 44 of the opening 30 in the second side section 28converges to and terminates at the aforementioned second point 38.

The container 10 is preferably formed from a thin-walled material suchas plastic, cardboard, pressboard, chipboard or a combination thereof.The container 10 is designed to be displayed on a retail shelf with atleast the front section 22 readily visible to a potential purchaser. Asshown in FIGS. 1-3 and 7, in a preferred embodiment, the container 10contains two cleaning implements, i.e., fabric sweepers 12, arranged inan opposing manner. A first fabric sweeper 12 is arranged such that thenon-cleaning surface 16 faces towards the front section 22 and opening30 while the cleaning surface 15 faces the back section 24. A secondfabric sweeper 12 is arranged in an opposing manner such that thenon-cleaning surface 16 faces the back section 24 while the cleaningsurface 15 faces the front section 22 and opening 30. One preferredcontainer 10 for two fabric sweepers 12 has approximate dimensions of 73/32″ wide by 8 7/16″ tall by 3″ deep.

In this opposing arrangement, a consumer may easily see, touch, feeland/or manipulate several features of the fabric sweeper 12 includingthe fabric covered rollers 14 and clear housing 17. For example, the“shark fin” shaped opening portion 39 in the top section 18 gives aclear view of the housing 17 including a icon showing directions of useand the debris collection chamber if the housing 17 is formed of clearplastic. The opening portion 40 in the front section 22 provides visualand physical access to the rollers 14. A consumer can therefore touch ormanipulate the rollers 14 and feel the fabric covering the rollers toappreciate how the fabric sweeper works. The opening portion 44 on thesecond side 28 provides further access to the non-cleaning surface 16and in particular the grip portion of the handle 17.

In another preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 9, a container 110contains one fabric sweeper 12, arranged such that cleaning surface 15faces towards the front section 122 and opening 130 while thenon-cleaning surface 116 faces away from the front section 122. In thisarrangement, a consumer may still see, feel and manipulate the rollers114 through the opening 130 and see the housing 117 through the “sharkfin” portion 139 of the opening 130. One preferred container 110 for asingle fabric sweeper 12 has approximate dimensions of 4¼″ wide by 87/16″ tall by 3″ deep.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the container 10 preferably comprisesinstructions 47 of use for a potentially purchasing consumer.Instructions for using the fabric sweepers 12 may be communicated to aconsumer via consumer-friendly text 48, photographs, graphicaldepictions 49, and the like. By consumer-friendly language, it is meantthat consumers would be instructed how to preferably use the product toachieve best results, e.g., “slide the fabric sweeper [12] side-to-side”and “dispose of the sweeper [12] when the sweeper [12] appears full oris no longer picking up debris.” Pictures can be used, either with, orwithout, words to help make the instructions consumer-friendly such asthe preferred “side-to-side” usage. Special packaging design can also beadvantageously used to convey instructions in a consumer-friendlyfashion. Ergonomic appeal can also make product use more intuitive,either with or without words and pictures. Text 48 on the container 10may also encourage the consumer to touch and feel the cleaning product12 inside.

The container 10 preferably also comprises marketing or performancestatements e.g., performance claims, etc., intended to pique theinterest of a potentially purchasing consumer. For example, themarketing claims may include statements such as “lifts and traps pethair, lint, dust and allergens from your upholstered furniture” whilethe performance claims may include that “one unit [12] picks up as muchpet hair as [an equivalent number] of lint roller sheets.”

A method for promoting the sale of the fabric sweeper 12 may incorporatethe sweeper 12 itself, the arrangement of one or two sweepers 12 in apackaging container 10 having an opening 30 formed therein, theinstructions of use and the marketing/performance claims. The methodconsists of the steps of displaying the fabric sweepers 12 in analternating manner in a container 10 having an opening 30 formedtherein. Alternatively, a transparent window can be used instead of anopening to display the fabric sweepers 12. Instructions andmarketing/performance claims similar to those stated above may bepresent on the packaging container to educate consumers.

All the disclosed embodiments are useful in conjunction with consumergoods packaging such as are used for the purpose of packaging cleaningimplements, or the like. There are virtually innumerable uses for thepresent invention, all of which need not be detailed here. All thedisclosed embodiments can be practiced without undue experimentation.

Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out thepresent invention is disclosed above, practice of the present inventionis not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions,modifications and rearrangements of the features of the presentinvention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of theunderlying inventive concept. For example, the package 10 could beenhanced by providing a hologram or LCD screen showing proper usage.Alternatively, the package 10 could have a swatch of fabric material,e.g., velour, affixed to the package for consumers to feel.

In addition, the individual components need not be fabricated from thedisclosed materials, but could be fabricated from virtually any suitablematerials. Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in thedisclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but couldbe provided in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually anyconfiguration. It is intended that the appended claims cover all suchadditions, modifications and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments ofthe present invention are differentiated by the appended claims. Variousother features, embodiments and advantages of the present invention arecontemplated as being within the scope of the following claimsparticularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matterregarded as the invention.

1-14. (canceled)
 15. A method of promoting the sale of a disposablecleaning implement comprising at least one fabric covered roller and ahousing, the method comprising the steps of: a) displaying a containercomprising at least a first and second cleaning implement; and b)arranging a non-cleaning surface of the first cleaning implement and acleaning surface of the second cleaning implement so that both aresimultaneously presented to a consumer.
 16. The method of claim 15,further comprising: constructing the container from plastic, cardboard,chipboard, or a combination thereof.
 17. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising: constructing the container to be at least partiallytransparent.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising:constructing the container to have at least one opening defined by twogenerally curved cuts meeting at both ends of the opening.
 19. Themethod of claim 15, further comprising: presenting usage instructionsfor the disposable cleaning implement.
 20. The method of claim 15,further comprising presenting instructions that comprise the steps of:i) sliding the cleaning implement side-to-side; and ii) disposing thecleaning implement when the implement appears at least one of: full orto no longer pick up debris.
 21. A method of packaging a disposablecleaning implement for display on a merchant display shelf, wherein thecleaning implement has at least one fabric covered roller and a housing,the method comprising the steps of: a) forming a single continuousdisplay window in at least two contiguous exterior surfaces of acontainer adapted to hold the cleaning implement; b) loading thecleaning implement into container; and c) arranging the cleaningimplement within the container such that the fabric covered roller isviewable through a first portion of the single continuous display whenthe container is closed and another portion of the cleaning implement isviewable through a second portion of the single continuous display, andwherein the second portion is perpendicular to the first portion. 22.The method of claim 21 wherein the container is comprised of cardboard.23. The method of claim 21 further comprising closing the singlecontinuous display with a transparent film.
 24. The method of claim 21wherein forming the single continuous display window includes removingportions of a front surface and a side surface of the container.
 25. Themethod of claim 24 wherein forming the single continuous displayincludes removing a portion of a top surface of the container.
 26. Themethod of claim 25 wherein removal of the portion of the top surfacecreates a fin-shaped cutout in the top surface of the container.
 27. Themethod of claim 21 further comprising adding text to an exterior surfaceof the container, wherein the text includes instructions on how to usethe cleaning implement.
 28. The method of claim 21 wherein the singlecontinuous display window is sized to prevent removal of the cleaningimplement through the single continuous display window but sized to alla user to touch the cleaning implement without removal of the cleaningimplement from the container.
 29. A method for promoting the sale of acleaning implement having a roller and a handle, the method comprisingthe steps of: removing first and second portions from first and secondsurfaces, respectively, of a container in the shape of a rectangularprism to form a single continuous opening in an exterior of thecontainer, wherein the first and second surfaces are formed on adjacentand perpendicular exterior surfaces of the container; placing thecleaning implement in the container; and arranging the cleaningimplement in the container such that fabric of the roller can be feltthrough a first portion of the single continuous opening and the handleof the implement is viewable through a second portion of the singlecontinuous opening.
 30. The method of claim 29 wherein the step ofremoving includes cutting a complex geometrical shape into the exteriorsurfaces of the container.
 31. The method of claim 29 wherein the stepof removing includes removing a third portion from a top surface of thecontainer so that single continuous opening extends onto the top surfaceof the container.
 32. The method of claim 31 wherein the first portion,the second portion, and the third portion are removed from a frontsurface, a side surface, and the top surface of the container, andwherein the front surface is orthogonal to both the side surface and thetop surface and wherein the front surface is adjacent to the top surfaceat a first edge and is adjacent the side surface at a second edgeperpendicular to the first edge.
 33. The method of claim 29 wherein thecontainer is formed of cardboard.
 34. The method of claim 29 furthercomprising covering the single continuous opening with a transparentfilm.